Woodbury University

What is the history of Woodbury University?

Woodbury University traces its origins to 1884, when it began in Los Angeles as Woodbury's Business College. Its early emphasis on practical business education helps explain why professionally oriented study remains part of its identity, even though its academic offerings have expanded well beyond business.

The institution later adopted the Woodbury University name and moved its main campus to Burbank in 1987. Architecture, design, media, and the liberal arts became prominent parts of its academic profile. Applicants comparing historical descriptions with current program listings should check the catalog for the degree and campus they intend to attend.

What are the faculties and departments at Woodbury University?

Woodbury organizes its academic programs around architecture, business, media and design, and liberal arts and sciences. Its offerings include undergraduate and graduate study, with a stronger emphasis on creative and professional fields than a large comprehensive university typically has.

Representative subjects include architecture, interior design, graphic design, filmmaking, communication, business administration, accounting, psychology, and computer-related study. The School of Architecture is particularly relevant to applicants considering a professional architecture credential: a preprofessional architecture degree and a degree that meets an educational requirement for licensure are not interchangeable. Students should check the current catalog for the precise degree title, campus, curriculum, and accreditation of their intended program.

What is the location of Woodbury University?

Woodbury University's main campus is in Burbank, California, in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This location puts students near employers and cultural institutions in entertainment, media, design, and architecture, but access to those opportunities still depends on transportation, scheduling, and the availability of positions.

Burbank has regional rail, bus, and airport connections, including Hollywood Burbank Airport. Commuting is a significant consideration: a reported 79% of students commute, so applicants should compare travel times and parking arrangements with their class and studio schedules. Students pursuing a program offered at another instructional location should confirm where required courses meet rather than assume that every program is based at the Burbank campus.

What is the mission and vision of Woodbury University?

Woodbury describes its educational purpose in terms of preparing students to work across disciplines, apply creative thinking, and engage with professional practice. Its emphasis on design and applied learning is a statement of institutional priorities, not evidence that every student will have the same experience or employment outcome.

Prospective students can test how that mission appears in a particular major by examining required studios, projects, internships, general education courses, and opportunities to work with people outside their discipline. Woodbury is a private institution; its academic identity is not defined by a stated religious affiliation.